November 15, 2008 - San Diego, California - GATR Technologies today announced its participation in ‘Aftershock’ – a disaster preparedness exercise designed for emergency recovery following a Southern California earthquake. The company supplied one of its ultra-portable, 2.4 meter diameter inflatable satellite terminals and an operator to provide high-bandwidth, high-gain satellite communications to the command/visualization centers for transmitting (via satellite) streaming imagery, still imagery, geo-located routes, population needs, and voice over IP (VoIP) phone links, and for posting damage assessments to the relief website. more...
Experts anticipate a major earthquake would ignite many small fires, injure numerous people, and cause medium to major damaged or completely destroy infrastructure (buildings, roads, power lines, and communications). Gaining, maintaining, and enhancing situational awareness of such fires, people in need, damaged or destroyed buildings, disabled communication infrastructure, and impassable roadways is essential for civil defenders and emergency responders mounting relief efforts. A key component is communications infrastructure, which in all probability would be damaged in a major earthquake. 
The GATR inflatable antenna was successfully used to provide high-bandwidth IP connectivity at two locations during the two day exercise with minimal transportation and set-up logistics. The high-speed data connection supplied by the GATR 2.4 meter diameter antenna, transported as checked baggage and by rental car, enabled streaming video rates of 30 frames per second, bulk data file transfers, video teleconferencing, and VoIP digital telephone calls during the exercise. This capability, in combination with the GATR’s extreme portability and ease of use, contributed significantly to the ultimate success of the exercise.
“This is yet another successful disaster relief test for the GATR system,” states Roy Priest, Business Development Manager at GATR Technologies. “Not only did the system perform flawlessly, it drew quite a bit of attention from the other support teams and the general public observing the exercise.” GATR has participated in several of these disaster relief exercises, as well as responding to Hurricanes Ike and Katrina.
About the GATR System
GATR’s portable, inflatable, high-bandwidth, high-gain, satellite communications technology is ideal for emergency response applications, providing quick recovery when land communication lines are down or compromised, or if satellite communication dishes are destroyed or damaged due to weather or terrorist attack. This technology was designed for military ground use in remote areas with harsh weather and where the movement and installation of large standard rigid satellite antennas is impractical. The patented design combines the transmission power (high-gain) advantages of a large antenna with the low weight and portability of a small aperture antenna.
About GATR Technologies
Incorporated in 2004, GATR Technologies provides Deployable Satellite Solutions, including a patented inflatable antenna, advanced material research and development, and custom engineering services to Military, Broadcast and Public Safety markets.
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